On June 9, 2018, five member nations of the Group of Seven (G7), Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the UK, adopted the Ocean Plastics Charter. Japan and the U.S., also members of the G7, did not sign the agreement. The charter is non-binding and “includes a commitment to recycle and reuse at least 55% of plastics packaging by 2030, and recover all plastics by 2040, and as expected, calls for ‘significantly reducing’ unnecessary uses of single-use plastics,” reporter Steve Toloken informed in an article published on June 11, 2018 by news provider Plastics News Europe (PNE). “The document includes 23 specific points in five broad categories, and also suggests stronger government roles in supporting markets for recycled plastics, including increasing recycled content by at least 50% in plastic products by 2030,” he further explained.
Industry associations, such the American Chemistry Council (ACC), welcomed the charter and the ACC highlighted its commitment to reuse, recycle, and recover 100% of plastic packaging by 2040.
Non-governmental organization Greenpeace also welcomed the charter but expressed a more critical view: “Governments must move beyond voluntary agreements to legislate binding reduction targets and bans on single-use plastics, invest in new and reuse delivery models for products, and hold corporations accountable for the problem they have created.”
Read more
Steve Toloken (June 11, 2018). “G7 plastics charter details some specific goals.” PNE
ACC (June 11, 2018). “America’s plastics makers respond to G7 charter aimed at cleaner oceans.”
Greenpeace International (June 9, 2018). “G7 leaders release tepid plans for addressing climate change and ocean plastic pollution – Greenpeace response.”
Steve Toloken (June 9, 2018). “Five G7 nations adopt ‘plastics charter’ on ocean pollution.” PN
Irene Banos Ruiz (June 11, 2018). “G7 minus two: Leaders agree to ocean plastics charter.” DW
Olivia Rosane (June 11, 2018). “Trump isolates U.S. on climate, ocean plastics and trade following contentious G7 summit.” EcoWatch
Plasteurope.com (June 13, 2018). “G7 recognises urgency of ocean plastics pollution / Lost value of plastics in waste stream / Ellen MacArthur Foundation to form coalition of businesses and governments.”
Reference
G7 (2018). “Ocean plastics charter.” (pdf)
